Diego Ventura Achieves 20th 'Puerta Grande' at Las Ventas

The bullfighter on horseback earns two ears from the afternoon's fifth bull, solidifying his legendary status at the San Isidro fair.

Close-up of a rejoneador's horse hooves kicking up dirt in the Las Ventas bullring, with blurred arena lights.
IA

Close-up of a rejoneador's horse hooves kicking up dirt in the Las Ventas bullring, with blurred arena lights.

Rejoneador Diego Ventura has secured his twentieth 'Puerta Grande' (Grand Gate) at Madrid's Las Ventas bullring, after cutting two ears from the fifth bull of the afternoon during the second bullfight on horseback of the San Isidro festival.

The Madrid arena was completely sold out ('No hay billetes') to witness the performance of the leading figure in bullfighting on horseback. Ventura showcased his mastery with his banderillas and moments of strong connection with the audience, particularly his performance with the horses 'Nómada', 'Bronce', and 'Brillante'.
Lea Vicens also delivered a notable performance, earning an ear from the third bull of the afternoon. Her work with the horses 'Jocker' and 'Diluvió' was applauded, concluding with two 'roses' before the final thrust.
Rui Fernandes received a standing ovation for his share of the bulls. Despite moments of skilled horsemanship and pirouettes with horses like 'Mistral', he did not achieve the same success with the final lance on his two bulls.
The bulls, from the ranch of María Guiomar Cortés de Moura, provided a good spectacle on a sunny afternoon in the capital.